§ Mr. MilburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his policy in respect of national health service trusts offering branded insurance policies. [24394]
§ Mr. MaloneNational health service trusts are empowered to generate additional income of NHS patient care by undertaking a range of commercial services activities. There is no objection to NHS trusts offering branded insurance policies provided that:
- (a) there is no detriment to NHS services, which must be the top priority for every NHS trust.
- (b) there is no unacceptable risk to public funds.
- (c) the services make a positive financial contribution which benefits the NHS trust's work for NHS patients.
- (d) it is made entirely clear that any insurance policy is in relation to future private treatment and does not confer any advantage whatsoever in relation to NHS treatment.
§ Mr. MilburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration the NHS executive has given to allowing trusts to offer preferential treatment to patients participating in any insurance policy or club scheme offered by them. [24363]
§ Mr. MaloneTreatment of national health service patients is determined by clinical priority alone. NHS trusts must not offer preferential treatment under the NHS to patients participating in any insurance policy or club scheme they offer.